Family of young Spurs fan killed in Malaysia earthquake make pilgrimage to White Hart Lane

The family of a 12-year-old Tottenham Hotspur fan killed in this summer’s Malaysia earthquake have made an emotional pilgrimage to White Hart Lane in her memory.

Sonia Jhala was among 18 killed when the 6.0 magnitude quake struck near Mount Kinabalu on the island of Borneo in June. She was on a school trip with Tanjong Katong Primary from her Singapore home. Many of the mourners at her funeral were dressed in Spurs kit at the request of her sister, Karishma, 18, and her parents took turns wearing the club’s blue and yellow scarf throughout the day.

Before Sonia’s death, her mother and father promised the family they would visit White Hart Lane before the stadium is redeveloped. Earlier this month her parents, both Spurs fans for more than 30 years, brother and sister, travelled to London “in her honour” with the Singapore Spurs Supporters’ Club and saw a 2-2 draw with Stoke City.

Mother, Karen, said: “Sonia would have loved it. She would have been the most excited. She would have gone berserk.”

Sonia Jhala's family at the game at White Hart Lane

The couple, both 48, who run a business selling safety training programmes, said they were in two minds about making the trip to London so soon. Sonia’s father, Jaidip, said: “Our friends said don’t worry Sonia will be watching from the heavens. Sonia is our youngest child and among our three kids she has been the most passionate Spurs supporter, the most ardent one.

“Her favourite player is Harry Kane. To be here in her honour is exciting but it is very emotional and very poignant for me. It’s going to be very difficult for me to watch the new season.”

The family received a letter of condolence from Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, who told of his “great sadness”. Mr Jhala said: “I had tears in my eyes, I couldn’t believe it, we were so touched.”

Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino sent a letter of condolence

The couple described the atmosphere at White Hart Lane as “electric” and, despite it being their first visit, said it “felt like home” among “remarkable Spurs supporters”.

Mr Jhala added: “Sonia’s character was about compassion and what the club has shown to us is what compassion is all about. For us to be here with the crowd, singing the songs, was overwhelming.”

Ledley King, former Spurs defender and now a club ambassador who met the Jhalas, said: “It was important to us that we provided this experience in Sonia’s memory, with the help of AIA and Singapore Spurs. It goes to show that football is so much more than a game, and also shows what the club means to its fans no matter where they are in the world.”